New Secondhand Passion Items - Upcycled Handcuff Necklace and More

The newest additions to Secondhand Passion:

Radiant Red Rockabilly/Punk Vintage 1980s Dress

Perfect for the rock n' roll vintage lover! This 1980s collared V-neck red vintage dress with military tabs on the shoulders gives off a retro 1950s vibe. There are two pockets that close with silver-toned snaps on the chest. The dress also has metal silver-toned snaps that start at the bust and go down the front of the rest almost to the hem.

The 2 x 3 inch skull and 3 x 3 1/2 inch cherry/skull patches are attached to pin backings. Place them wherever you want and customize to your liking. For a different look, you can also remove them, or place them on a purse or other item.

Measurements (taken lying flat):

Length - Approx. 44 inches total / 26 inches (waist to hem)
Waist - Approx. 28 inches
Bust - Approx. 32 inches
Sleeves - Approx. 9 inches

There is no size listed on the tag, but it would best fit someone who wears a size XS/S.

It looks great with a black belt (not included).

Available here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/81678570/radiant-red-rockabillypunk-vintage-1980s




Upcycled Handcuff Necklace

This necklace is edgy and elegant. The silver-toned handcuffs came from a Tripp NYC garment. Two red vintage cabochons have been added for a touch of glam. The necklace is attached to a 16 inch chain resembling gunmetal. Each handcuff is approximately 1 inch. Both cuffs and links measure approximately 3 3/4 inches all the way across. With the cuffs and the chain, the entire necklace is approximately 19 3/4 inches. The cuffs have levers that open and close, which make the necklace easy to put on and take off.

Available here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/82477773/upcycled-handcuff-necklace




Upcycled Vintage "Clytemnestra" Bustle Dress Size Small

Just in time for Halloween!

This is a gorgeous 1980s vintage blue stretchy velour dress with a ruffled hem and a fun criss cross back. The bustle features a black ribbon bow and lace with silver and blue spider and cobweb print. The straps tie in the back and can be adjusted. The tag is labeled size Small.

Upcycled with two pins, one made with a skull bead and the other with a vintage iridescent purple/blue cabochon and metal escutcheon with floral design.

Measurements (unstretched and lying flat):

Bust - Approx. 30 inches total
Waist - Approx. 26 inches
Hips - Approx. 33 inches
Length (from bust to hem) - Approx. 37 inches

Brand: Pilot 10
Made in England

Available here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/81765806/upcycled-vintage-clytemnestra-bustle





Upcycled Velour and Iridescent Blue "Marina Fleur" Skirt Size M

Black velour skirt has an iridescent blue ruffled hem. A purple satin rose with black organza petals (2 ½ inch diameter), a 3 inch black flower applique with multicolored sequins, and two black 1 ½ inch fabric roses add sparkle and flair. All of the flowers are removable and are attached to pins. The blue and the sequins glimmer in the light beautifully. Skirt zips in the back and is fully lined.

This would be a great component of a mermaid or fairy costume. It would also work well for a Goth night.

Brand:
Sylvie & Mado (Mill Valley, California)

Measurements (taken flat):
Length - Approx. 32 inches
Waist - Approx. 32 inches

The tag is labeled size M.

Available here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/82288171/upcycled-velour-and-iridescent-blue

Old-Fashioned Charm

The latest addition to my Etsy shop:


Here's to old-fashioned charm! This necklace is made up of a 1 1/4 inch tall actual antique glass vial filled with tiny watch parts attached to an approx. 15 1/2 inch 925 sterling silver braided chain. The vial's label reads "2132 Swartchild." The watch parts range in color from silver to gold. There is a tiny approx. 3/4 inch tall vintage-inspired skeleton key charm with antiqued finish right beside the vial that has been attached with a silver jump ring.

Available here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/82080059/necklace-with-watch-parts-skeleton-key

Newest Items Posted to Etsy (A Delightful Top Hat and More!)

The latest additions to Secondhand Passion, my Etsy shop:

Upcycled Steampunk Top Hat

This vivacious upcycled black top hat has been decorated with a tiny antiqued skeleton key, cream-colored vintage lace, an antique watch dial with peacock feathers, and black flowers (millinery flowers and a black rose applique).

The watch dial with peacock feathers features a repurposed bracelet piece with blue stones. The dial, which came from a Cervine watch, is an antique, and was made somewhere between the late 1800s and the early 1900s.

The hat measures approx. 5 inches tall and has a circumference of approx. 24 inches. The hat itself is 100 percent and was made in the U.S.A.

This would be great for a Steampunk event or even Burning Man.

Listing: http://www.etsy.com/listing/81764818/upcycled-steampunk-top-hat




Doll, Lace, and Rose "Victoriana" Barrette

The barrette consists of a vintage purple and blue fabric rose, lace, and two antique frozen Charlotte heads. It's spooky, cute, classy, and charming all at once!

In addition to being worn in your hair, the barrette can also be clipped onto scarves, headbands, fans, and other accessories.

Measures 3 1/2 inches across.

Listing: http://www.etsy.com/listing/81677761/doll-lace-and-rose-victoriana-barrette



1950s Vintage Black Rose Floral Dress Size Small

Not your typical 50s housewife dress! This dress shines with elegance, but is also demure. It could work splendidly as part of a Halloween costume, as a cocktail party dress, or even as part of a rockabilly outfit. Be both classy and eco-friendly in this dress.

The dress features four covered buttons and two front pockets with two additional covered buttons. There is also a zipper on one side. The satin-like fabric with a lovely black rose pattern is durable. You don't see quality like this that often these days. You'll be able to enjoy it for years to come.

Measurements (taken flat):

From hips - Approx. 27 inches
Length of entire dress (neck to hem) - Approx. 43 1/2 inches
Sleeves - Approx. 12 1/2 inches each
Waist - Approx. 14 1/2 inches (front side) and 29 inches all the way around

The dress does not have a tag, but it would best fit someone who wears a modern ladies' size small.


Listing: http://www.etsy.com/listing/81845533/1950s-vintage-black-rose-floral-dress




Vintage Westclox Bull's Eye Pocket Watch with Chain

Here is a vintage Westclox Bull's Eye wind-up silver-toned pocket watch. The clock is no longer working, but it makes a great accessory nonetheless. The watch is estimated to have been made sometime between the 1930s and 1950s.

The plastic crystal has a couple of cracks, but otherwise, the clock is in excellent condition. The diameter is approximately 2 inches and it measures approximately 2 1/2 inches tall.

It comes attached to an 18 inch embossed silver-tone chain with a 23 mm matte black-plated brass lobster clasp (looks like gunmetal).

This would make a fine addition to a Steampunk outfit.

Listing: http://www.etsy.com/listing/81602077/vintage-westclox-bulls-eye-pocket-watch




Skull and Black Glass Bead "Loviatar" Necklace

This black bead necklace, named after the Finnish goddess, is both elegant and edgy. The vintage 1970s skull pendant is connected to the black glass bead necklace by a silver jump ring. The skull measures approx. 1 inch tall and approx. 3/4 inch across.

The necklace measures 18 inches long. It can be closed starting at around 15 1/2 inches. Clasp is gold-toned and the beads rotate from small to larger.

Perfect for Halloween or all year long.

Listing: http://www.etsy.com/listing/81601033/skull-and-black-glass-bead-loviatar




Upcycled "Eleanora" Sequined Purse

This beaded and sequined purse has been upcycled with a vintage chandelier crystal and a black millinery flower. The strap is a black braided rope. From the shoulder, it hangs down to about 32 inches including the beaded trim. Not including the rope and beads, the purse is approximately 6 inches tall, and with the bead trim, it measures approximately 9 inches not including the strap. Across, it measures approximately 5 3/4 inches.

It features a black floral pattern comprised of beads and sequins on black lace over grayish fabric. The bottom of the purse has a black beaded trim that hangs down, and it also has a beaded trim near the top.

It closes and opens with gunmetal-colored clasp. The rest of the metal on the purse is also gunmetal-colored. The crystal catches the light beautifully.

It's absolutely gorgeous and is perfect for a Steampunk event, cocktail party, or flapper outfit.

Listing: http://www.etsy.com/listing/81809322/upcycled-eleanora-sequined-purse

"Imaginary Maps of the Real World" Gallery Opening at the Alternative Cafe

I attended the opening of "Imaginary Maps of the Real World" featuring the art of Ales Bask Hostomsky (Bask) this past Friday night at The Alternative Cafe in Seaside and took some pics. I try to make it to each of the gallery openings at The Alternative Cafe on the second Friday of each month. I highly recommend going to the Alternative Cafe. The atmosphere is inviting, and it's a great way to break away from the norm and broaden your horizons. The place adds excitement to my life, and if I lived closer, I'd be there more often.

Here's the cafe's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Alternative-Cafe/56127099192

Click on these photos to view them larger:

Good company, art, and an hors d'oeuvres tray to orbit and grab appetizing snacks off of.



I don't think Ugly Dolls could be much cuter. They're available for sale at the cafe along with other merch.



Ian Tomasino's artwork interspersed with merchandise available at the cafe.



The walls were well decorated.



A wall with Maryia Grigor's impressive artwork.



This painting by Maryia Grigor really caught my attention.



And now for the works of street artist Bask:


Scream it out!









You can see this artwork displayed at the cafe through October 11, 2011.

For more images of Bask's artwork, go here.

Monterey Media Circus Digital Photography Group Photo Shoot

Monterey Media Circus Digital Photography Group held a fantastic photo shoot on August 21 at Xpressions Studio in Monterey. It was a day of lights, cameras, playfulness, elegance, and whimsy. Christine Holding, hostess of the event, was joined by fellow photographers Michelle Robertson, George Haas, and Todd Davalos. Not only was there one talented photographer present, but four. My clothing business, Secondhand Passion, provided the upcycled and vintage clothing and accessories. Make-up artistry was provided by Gaia, and Jessica, Laura, and I modeled. Thanks, everyone!





The shoot wouldn't be complete without some radiant red and cobwebs. That's what I look like in a black punky wig and all done up.




Peacock feathers, lace, and glamour.




For a look reminiscent of the Dresden Dolls' style plus Steampunk and Victorian flair, wear striped accessories, top hats, feathers, and antique key necklaces with Victorian-inspired dresses. Don't be afraid to mix it up!




Black lace never goes out of style.

Check out http://www.meetup.com/Monterey-Media-Circus-Digital-Photography-Group/events/23139621 to view more of the pics from the shoot.

Bedford County, Virginia Countryside Wandering

For me and many others, spending time in nature reinforces the importance of caring for our environment and preserving open spaces. These were taken at the Peaks of Otter and other various places in Bedford County, Virginia that I recently visited (click on the images for a larger view):




Peaks of Otter:

Johnson Farm






All the more reason to buy vintage, reuse, recycle, drive less, cut back on energy use, and do all that we can to help our planet, right?